67 Hail Hail

Ange Postecoglou was a huge success in the colours of Celtic.

When he left Glasgow and joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2023, he was keen to remove this cloud over the club’s head and win them a major trophy for the first time since 2008.

For years and years, Spurs would get verbally battered and mocked by all, especially their inability to get over the line and secure any type of silverware.

Postecoglou won the Treble at Celtic, including being a success at every other team he managed, so he had the history and winner medals to back it up.

That’s why, after a troubling league campaign in north London, when Spurs won the Europa League final by beating Manchester United in Bilbao last month, there were many of the Celtic Park faithful delighted for their old boss.

Yet, talk of Postecoglou’s future wouldn’t go away, despite lifting some silverware.

Will Celtic hero Ange Postecoglou get sacked by Tottenham Hotspur?

It’s crazy to think that Spurs are even still considering sacking Postecoglou, especially given that he has achieved what no other modern-day manager has done at their club, and that’s win a European trophy.

But amid all this talk that the 59-year-old could be booted out, there are different noises now emerging from Italy, and from a very strong source.

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Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has suggested that the chances of Postecoglou staying have now increased.

You wonder how the Tottenham fans will react to this, but the Celtic supporters will be delighted for their former manager, that’s for sure.

Talking about the future of Fulham boss Marco Silva, who has been linked with Spurs, as well as clubs in Italy.

Di Marzio says Tottenham ‘made moves’ for Silva, but the chances of Postecoglou staying have now ‘increased’.

One of the great things Celtic fans loved about Postecoglou was, not just his all-action style of play, but how he handled himself in the media.

He would say things to lift you off your seat, and proved to be so quotable during his days in Scotland.

But Postecoglou took it to another level in the Premier League because, amid Spurs’ struggles at the start of the season, he reminded everyone that he ‘always wins’ a trophy in his second season.

Tottenham Hotspur fans weren’t the only ones with a big smile on their faces when they won the Europa League in Bilbao.

Given the hero status Ange Postecoglou has at Celtic, he was always going to get the backing and love from his old club during his difficult periods this season.

Yes, Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League table and produced a very poor league campaign, but Postecoglou lifted a trophy in his second season as manager, just as he promised, and now he has hero status at Hotspur Way, just like he does at Celtic Park.

Amid all the talk around Postecoglou’s future, yes, even after he has won a trophy, you still have to plan ahead, especially with the summer transfer market set to re-open.

One former Celtic player, who has worked with Postecoglou in north London, will now depart, and he is set to become available on the transfer market.

Celtic hero Fraser Forster to leave Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur

Fraser Forster is leaving Spurs at the end of June, and he is set to become a free agent.

On Thursday, Celtic announced that third-choice goalkeeper Scott Bain will leave the club, so it will be interesting to see who the club brings in to fill that void.

If Brendan Rodgers wants to sign someone the fans know very well, then look no further than Forster, especially given that he will cost nothing.

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Forster’s Celtic career in numbers

At the age of 37, there is no doubt that Forster can do a job in the background, and certainly help the next crop of talent come through.

Viljami Sinisalo has some great experience around him at Celtic Park, in the form of Kasper Schmeichel, so adding someone like Forster would just make things better.

And, at the end of the day, there aren’t many players out there who know Celtic better than the Englishman.

Ange Postecoglou has been under some serious pressure at Tottenham despite the Celtic hero’s recent trophy success.

Postecoglou won the Europa League last week and it appeared that the former Celtic boss had bought himself some time with the Spurs fans.

However, after Matt O’Riley helped to sink Spurs 4-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the former Celtic boss appears to be under even more pressure after Postecoglou ended the season in 17th place in the English Premier League.

And that has led to Roy Keane delivering a blistering defence of the ex-Celtic boss as Jamie Redknapp shares what he is ‘hearing’ about Postecoglou’s Tottenham future.

Roy Keane blasts ‘unfair’ media treatment of Celtic hero Ange Postecoglou at Spurs

Keane was perplexed at the lines of questioning Postecoglou faces every week, whether Tottenham’s results are favourable or not.

The former Man United legend has launched a furious defence of the former Celtic man after he was questioned once again about his Tottenham future.

Keane told Sky Sports, “I think it’s unfair to keep asking about the situation, because he’s under contract. I haven’t heard other managers getting asked constantly about whether they are going to be in the job next year.

“Why should he have to answer that? I understand he’ll be under pressure, yeah, but he’s under contract, so I’m fully expecting him to come back, unless, obviously he gets sacked.

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“But he’s obviously on the back of a big success during the week. But their league form, of course, has been shocking. You’d think the fact he’s won a trophy and they’ve got the Champions League to look forward to, he would probably get some sort of backing.

“Again, if he’s under contract why does he have to constantly answer questions on it? I don’t get it really.”

Many would argue that Tottenham’s league form is justification for the continued speculation over the Australian’s Spurs future but surely a European trophy should buy him some time?

Jamie Redknapp has ‘heard lots’ about Postecoglou’s Spurs future

Responding to Keane’s rant, Redknapp has shared what he has been hearing about Postecoglou’s Tottenham future and it doesn’t bode well for the former Celtic man.

Redknapp replied, “I’ve heard lots. I mean, I have said before, if he wins this week in Europe, I think he should keep his job. Forget what’s happened, because it has been such a disappointing campaign.

“It’s almost the most bizarre season, how you can finish so low but still win a European cup. So you have to credit him for that. And that was his brief.

“What he said in mid season was one of the great quotes of all time. You know, I always win something in my second season. It’s almost, you know, alongside, ‘I’d love it if we beat them’, you know, it’s up there, you know, ‘I’m the Special One’.

“To have the audacity to say it and then deliver it was almost blew my mind. But I’m not getting that vibe.

“When I hear him talking yesterday, he said sometimes they kill off the main character in season three. I’m getting that feeling, I’m hearing a few things, not necessarily going in his favour.

“I think he deserves another season.”

Whether Ange gets the time he requires to turn around Spurs’ fortunes is now in the hands of Daniel Levy.

With nothing official coming from the Premier League club yet, it looks like this could be a long summer for the former Celtic man.

Matt O’Riley was back in action once again as the former Celtic treble-winner made another cameo for Brighton against Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham.

O’Riley looks on his way back to full fitness after the former Celtic midfielder was injured in his Brighton debut at the beginning of the season.

The Denmark international has made 23 appearances this season for Brighton albeit mostly from the bench but he has still managed to score two goals and create three assists as the former Celtic midfielder proves he can mix it with the Premier League big boys.

And after having a big hand in Fabian Hurzeler’s side beating Liverpool last week, O’Riley has just made sure Ange Postecoglou’s season fizzles out after Brighton battered Spurs 4-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium yesterday.

Brighton fans tell their board they cannot sell Celtic icon Matt O’Riley

Rumours surrounding O’Riley’s future at Brighton have been doing the rounds towards the end of this season after Roma have been linked with the former Celtic ace.

But it seems that his 14-minute cameo and his goal have urged the Brighton supporters to tell their club to rethink their plans for O’Riley.

@LemmyG10 said, “Really hope that goal can maybe quieten down the noise around Matt O’Riley.

He is a real, real player and no doubt he could be a top tier no.10.

“I don’t know why the club would be (maybe) considering selling him.”

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@MwepuMagic posted on X, “Refreshing to see Brighton are already prepared for the departure of Joao Pedro in the summer. Matt O’Riley’s penalty today suggest he’s the man to replace 75% of Pedro’s goals!”

@sportsponge03 labelled O’Riley as ‘world-class’ and said, “Another member of a deep midfield – will be interested to see how Matt will continue to enhance his creativity in the middle.

“Showed numerous signs, but with the injury and inconsistent form, hoping he can make a jump next season. Know he can be world class.”

O’Riley will look forward to next season where he will be hoping that he stays and helps Brighton kick on in Europe as well as the Premier League.

Matt O’Riley’s first season at Celtic vs Brighton

O’Riley joined Celtic in January 2022 for £1.5m from MK Dons and almost immediately set the heather on fire in his debut against Hearts.

The Danish midfielder made 20 appearances for Celtic for the remainder of that season and with 26 under his belt for Brighton, how do O’Riley’s stats at both clubs match up?

With plenty still to come from O’Riley it’s clear the Brighton supporters want him to hang around the club for a little bit longer.

Jason Cundy and Jamie O’Hara are renowned for a wind-up or two, but even Cundy couldn’t sit back and listen to O’Hara’s latest claim.

The TalkSport duo were reflecting on Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League final victory to end their 17-year wait for a trophy.

Celtic hero Ange Postecoglou silenced his critics as he delivered on his theory that he always wins trophies in his second season and has been championed by the Bhoys, who sent a classy message to Postecoglou.

A momentous day in Tottenham history, the Europa League is the continent’s second-tier European competition, with the Champions League the golden prize.

That hasn’t stopped Spurs supporters, including O’Hara, claiming that they’re champions of Europe and Cundy firmly put his co-host back in his place.

Jason Cundy tells Jamie O’Hara to ‘show respect’ to Celtic

Filling in for Alan Brazil on his breakfast show, the two discussed Tottenham’s triumph.

O’Hara retaliated after Cundy claimed Arsenal had still had the better season, despite no silverware, saying: “Champions of Europe”.

Cundy then silenced him, referencing Celtic’s 1967 European Cup-winning side, saying: “You won the Europa League, no you’re not. Show respect to Celtic.

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“They can say they’ve been champions of Europe. Chelsea can. Arsenal can’t, Spurs can’t. Man City, Man Utd, Liverpool can. Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, show some respect to those teams. You can’t come on here saying you are champions of Europe.”

Celtic’s trophy haul compared to Tottenham’s is like night and day

People can argue all they want about Scotland having less competition but the fact of the matter is that Celtic have trumped Tottenham when it comes to the number of trophies won.

The Bhoys are one of seven teams around the world to win 100 or more major honours and currently have 120 to their name.

As for Spurs, they only have 18 and may have won more trophies in Europe – but never the big one.

In case you’ve been living under a rock, Ange Postecoglou led Tottenham Hotspur to Europa League glory on Wednesday night.

The former Celtic manager outwitted Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United in Bilbao as Spurs won their first major trophy since 2008.

Of course, many sent their congratulations towards Ange and Tottenham. Celtic did so on social media, as did the SPFL with their brilliant tribute post.

Brendan Rodgers congratulated his Celtic predecessor on Thursday in what was a classy message from the Northern Irishman.

But you can’t exactly use the word ‘classy’ to describe how Celtic legend Scott Brown hilariously responded to Spurs winning the trophy!

In typical Broony fashion, the Ayr United boss was on the wind-up as he replied to Tottenham goalkeeper Fraser Forster’s Instagram post.

Former teammates at Celtic, Forster published a photo of him wearing his winner’s medal and captioned it with: “Another one for the collection 😉😍”.

Brown appeared in the comments section and posted a hilarious seven-word reply that dissed Forster’s resemblance to Home Alone film character Marv Murchins.

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Broony wrote: “Marv from home alone won a medal 🔥”.

Brown and Forster’s Celtic days together

Of course, Brown’s comment will be taken in good jest by Forster given the pair were Celtic teammates across two spells in the 2010s.

Brown signed for Celtic in 2007 and went on to become one of the most decorated Hoops captains in the club’s long and storied history.

Forster first joined the Hoops on a season-long loan from Newcastle United in August 2010, keeping an incredible 24 clean sheets in his first campaign.

The 6’7″ tall stopper rejoined Celtic on loan for the following season before signing permanently in the summer of 2012.

Forster, after a time with Premier League club Southampton, came back to Celtic during 2019/20 for a third loan stint before moving on to Spurs two years later.

Brown and Forster won seven major honours together at Celtic, with the goalkeeper now adding a European title to his personal trophy cabinet.

There will be a lot of Celtic eyes on the Europa League final between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United on Wednesday night.

The simple reason is that Ange Postecoglou will be in the Spurs dugout, looking to end their near two-decade wait for a trophy, and their first European title in over 40 years.

Postecoglou won trophies for fun at Celtic, but that’s because Scotland’s most successful club is used to lifting silverware again and again and again.

But what Postecoglou faces in Bilbao is perhaps one of his biggest tests yet, because of Tottenham’s long-wait for a trophy, and the position they find themselves in on the Premier League stage.

There is a lot of talk around his future, and how he could be booted out if the London club aren’t victorious against an equally abject Manchester United side.

There are even suggestions that the powers that be at Tottenham will part ways with Postecoglou, even if they lift the trophy at the end of it all, but the Celtic hero had a brilliant response to it all.

Ange Postecoglou mentions Celtic as Tottenham prepare for the Europa League final against Manchester United

It would be crazy for Spurs to, win the Europa League, but then still part ways with Postecoglou.

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This isn’t a club used to winning trophies, and it does also get them into the Champions League, but crazier things have happened in football.

Either way, Postecoglou mentioned winning the Treble at Celtic, before heading for the exit door and taking the gig at Spurs, as he told his pre-match press conference.

“No (I haven’t discussed my future with the Tottenham players before the Europa League final) because that wouldn’t be really helpful in what is before us right now,” said Postecoglou.

“I have said to the lads from day one, ‘nothing is guaranteed in life. Nothing is guaranteed in sport. So, you just got to try and make sure you take every opportunity before you. That’s what I have done in my whole career’.

“I have been in this position before, where the big game was the last game I managed. It’s not unusual terrority for me, and I have always navigated that pretty well. For me, nothing is more important than my responsibility to this football club and its fans.

“I qualified for the World Cup. I left. Won the Treble with Celtic and left. Won at Brisbane and left. It’s actually more common than you think.”

The last time Postecoglou faced Manchester United…and then left

It’s slightly eerie that Postecoglou has faced Manchester United before, and then headed for the exit door straight after.

This wasn’t exactly the Europa League final, and he was a much smaller fish back then with less talk around him, but it did happen.

Back in 2000, as the manager of South Melbourne and facing the great Sir Alex Ferguson, who had recently won the Treble, Postecoglou’s side lost 2-0, and then he left.

It’s crazy how things are panning out for Ange Postecoglou since he left Celtic.

On the one hand, the Celtic hero could create history if Tottenham Hotspur win the Europa League – they face Manchester United in the final, on May 21, in Bilbao.

Lift that trophy, and then Spurs will play Champions League football next season. Most importantly, Postecoglou will become the first manager of the London club to win a trophy since 2008.

But that doesn’t tell the whole picture, and this is where everything could come crashing down in a pretty horrible manner for the Treble-winner at Celtic Park.

Everyone in green and white colours is urging Postecoglou on and hoping he will change things around, but some things are irreversible.

And that’s Tottenham’s league form.

Celtic hero Ange Postecoglou suffers 20th Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace

When ‘big Ange’ first joined Celtic, he arrived as an unknown figure, with Rangers as champions, before getting the club back where it belongs, and that’s on top.

Tottenham aren’t used to winning league titles like Celtic; they have two in their history, but they have been used to competing in Europe.

But lose that Europa League final, then it’s the end of the road for Postecoglou at Spurs, and he can’t have any complaints, as their latest defeat dictates.

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Tottenham were beaten 2-0 at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday – their 20th league defeat. They have never lost more games during the Premier League era (starting 1992).

It’s also Spurs’ 24th defeat in all competitions this term – Postecoglou only suffered 18 games during his time at Celtic.

‘Tottenham have lost 20 league games in a single season for the first time ever in the Premier League,’ wrote Squawka.

Postecoglou’s record at Celtic compared to Tottenham

Postecoglou’s name is in Celtic’s legendary books, and that will never be reversed or changed.

It’s not just what he won in Glasgow, but how he won it on the pitch, including how he conducted himself in the media on a weekly basis.

Ally McCoist has had to endure decades of Celtic success as his old club Rangers struggles to keep up with the Parkhead club.

McCoist has found the last few years tough as Celtic overtook Rangers as Scotland’s most successful club this season.

With Brendan Rodgers on the brink of yet another treble and Celtic’s 121st trophy in their history, former World Snooker Champion John Higgins superbly wound up Ally McCoist at the Crucible about the Hoops boss.

John Higgins outs Ally McCoist over Celtic’s Brendan Rodgers Spurs rumour at the Crucible

Higgins was taking part in the World Snooker Championship watch-along with McCoist when he confronted him about a rumour he heard over Celtic boss Rodgers and Spurs.

Higgins asked McCoist on TNT Sports Snooker [1h 38m 35s], “Can I just ask Ally as well that I’ve just seen reports that he’s trying to get Brendan Rodgers to go to Tottenham Hotspur – is there any truth in that rumour?”

Laughing, McCoist replied, “John, I’ll be honest with you mate, I’m trying to get him to go anywhere.

“I don’t care, he can go to Tottenham Hotspur, I just want him south. Is that okay? Just to clarify that in case you thought I was anti-Tottenham – I’m pro-Tottenham. I want him anywhere.”

It was a bit of light-hearted banter but the answer did show that McCoist is desperate for Celtic’s success to end even in joking manner.

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McCoist has been in pain for the last two seasons of Rodgers’ domination of Scottish football as the Celtic boss continues to add silverware to the Parkhead trophy cabinet.

Admitting Celtic will hammer Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final, McCoist said he will be a Dons fan for the upcoming Hampden clash.

McCoist’s deluded comments on the gap between Celtic and Rangers earlier this season where made to look foolish after Philippe Clement was sacked back in February.

Ange Postecoglou continues to fight on at Tottenham Hotspur.

It has been nearly two years since Postecoglou left Celtic for Tottenham, and his ride has been rather interesting in the English capital.

For weeks and weeks, the noises have suggested that Spurs will sack Postecoglou, especially with the team sitting in the bottom half of the Premier League table.

But, in typical Postecoglou style, he is fighting until the very end and showing that winning fight he displayed on so many occasions in Celtic colours.

On Thursday evening, Spurs beat Eintracht Frankfurt to book their ticket into the semi-final of the Europa League by securing a 2-1 win on aggregate.

Tottenham now face an opponent that Postecoglou, for the wrong reasons and going back to his days at Celtic, knows very well.

Ange Postecoglou recalls Celtic nightmare as Tottenham to face Bodo Glimt in Europa League semi-final

Celtic’s progression in the Champions League this season has been a joy to watch, but their play-off exit to Bayern Munich is a far cry from what happened in 2022.

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With Postecoglou in the Celtic Park dugout, the Hoops crashed out of the Europa Conference League playoff phase by losing 5-1 on aggregate to Bodo/Glimt.

It was a nightmare of all nightmares and a pretty big blot on Celtic’s European credentials, at the time, as Postecoglou will now look to put those previous wrongs right in the colours of Tottenham.

“I don’t think it’s surprising,” said Postecoglou on Bodo Glimt’s rise. “I, obviously, have history with Bodo. We played them when I was at Celtic.

“I scouted them pretty extensively for that game. I remember they beat Roma at home, with Jose (as the opposing manager), and Jose speaking about how difficult it was playing there, and I followed them closely.

“You have seen their growth. They are very difficult. Got a good talent ID. Players who have moved on and done really well. Very consistent. Same manager, which always helps.

“Then built a real belief in their club. I think they have earned the right to be in the semi-final. It’s not like they have had an easy ride through it. They are a very, very difficult opponent away from home. Absolutely. You just have to look at their record.

“I certainly won’t underestimate them. I know them really well and I know the challenge we have to overcome them.”

The 11 Celtic players who remain from that Bodo/Glimt nightmare

Going back to the second leg, which was played in Norway, Celtic lost 2-0 and were knocked out, with some interesting names playing that are still on the books today.

On the one hand, given that quite a number of them have been part of this season’s Champions League campaign, it shows their progression.

At the end of the day, it’s not about how you get knocked down, but how you get back up.